Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • Build a Sandbox
  • The Play Value Of Sand
  • With Community Helpers the Play Lady Receives the Fred Rodgers Helpers Award
  • Texas Legislating Recess
  • Keeping the Fun in Fundraising
  • See Accessibility Through the Eyes of a Child
  • Outdoor Play for Children with Intellectual Disabilities on Playgrounds

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Play
  3. Health
  4. Most Americans Dedicate Five Hours a Week to Outdoor Play

Most Americans Dedicate Five Hours a Week to Outdoor Play

Health
July 11, 2017
Profile picture for user PGP
By PGP on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
977
NRPA Outdoor Play Survey

NRPA Outdoor Play Survey

Ashburn, Va. (July 6, 2017) — According to a recent survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the typical American spends five hours per week on outdoor play, which includes exercising, participating in organized sports, playing with kids at a playground, taking a walk in a neighborhood or local park, or taking a swim.

More than a third (35 percent) of Americans ages 18+ polled spend more than an hour a day on average actively involved in the outdoors. That number is even higher among parents (41 percent) and Baby Boomers (41 percent), who spend more than an hour a day on average playing outdoors. A significant number of Millennials (31 percent) and Gen Xers (33 percent) spend an hour or more a day on average on outdoor play as well.

“Outdoor play is a great way for people of all ages to connect with nature and improve their overall health and wellness,” said Barbara Tulipane, CAE, NRPA president and CEO. “Anyone looking to engage in outdoor play should visit their local park or recreation center where there are opportunities for everyone.”

Research shows that outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, especially in children. Playing outdoors is also proven to relieve stress and enhance social interactions in children and adults. Studies show that access to nature and green space, which one typically experiences while playing outdoors, has health benefits as well.  

This July, as part of Park and Recreation Month, NRPA is challenging everyone to get their play on with their local parks and recreation. Whether it’s summer camp, an adult sports league, exploring a trail, Zumba class, meeting friends on the playground, playing cards in the park or discovering nature — parks offer something fun for everyone. To learn more about Park and Recreation Month, visit www.nrpa.org/july.      

This poll is part of NRPA’s Park Pulse, a continuing series of monthly surveys that gauge the public’s opinion on topics relating to parks and recreation. To explore previous Park Pulse survey results, visit www.nrpa.org/Park-Pulse.   

View interactive charts with survey results.

View full-size infographic

To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.   

Profile picture for user PGP
PGP
Published 6 years ago
Last updated 10 months ago
977
1
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About

5 Safety And First Aid Tips For Kids
Jul 06, 2021
Health

5 Safety And First Aid Tips For Kids

David Becker
Teen Driver Safety Week
Oct 19, 2021
Health

Teen Driver Safety Week

PGP
Vaccines In Children: 5 Steps To Take If You Suspect Adverse Reactions
Nov 02, 2021
Health

Vaccines In Children: 5 Steps To Take If You Suspect Adverse Reactions

Scarlett Davidson
Joann Robertson’s Countdown To The Holidays
Nov 14, 2021
Health

Joann Robertson’s Countdown To The Holidays Safety Tips

Joann Robertson
Strategies for Keeping Kids Safe At Home
Mar 02, 2022
Health

Strategies for Keeping Kids Safe At Home

Cora Gold
12 Essential Safety Rules for Kids At Home
Jan 04, 2022
Health

12 Essential Safety Rules for Kids At Home

Nouman Ali
Promoting Physically Active Lifestyles for over 129 Years
Jun 21, 2014
Health

Promoting Physically Active Lifestyles for over 129 Years

Paula Kun
Improving the Safety of Kids with Portable Small GPS Trackers
Nov 16, 2021
Health

Improving the Safety of Kids with Portable Small GPS Trackers

PGP
21 Fun Family Activities During Self-Isolation
May 11, 2020
Health

21 Fun Family Activities During Self-Isolation

Patrick Adams
Strategies for Helping Kids Cope With Loneliness
Mar 18, 2022
Health

Strategies for Helping Kids Cope With Loneliness

Cora Gold
Jan 01, 2003
Health

Murder, Media, and The Value of Play

Playground Magazine
Biltong
Dec 14, 2020
Health

Is Biltong a Healthy Snack for Your Child?

Adam Collins

Health Professionals

Walk with a Doc
Walk with a Doc
Organization
More
Let's Play America
Let's Play America
Organization
More
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions